MP backs call to ban animal circuses

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has signed a petition in Parliament to support the RSPCA's campaign for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden singing the RSCPA petititionBlackpool South MP Gordon Marsden singing the RSCPA petitition
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden singing the RSCPA petitition

Gordon, a lifelong animal welfare campaigner, said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA in campaigning to bring an end to the use of wild animals in circuses. I know from the amount of e-mails and letters I receive from people in Blackpool on animal welfare issues, we are a nation of animal lovers.

“I and many of my constituents will find it shocking that circuses are still using this practice in the UK today.

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“A total ban is long overdue and is supported by the public.

“With the existing regulations due to expire in January 2020, the Government must take action to cement the UK’s position as a world leader in animal welfare.

“Circuses are wholly unsuitable environments for wild animals, with repeated studies showing that circus life is likely to have a significantly harmful impact on the welfare of many types of animals.

“An increasing number of countries have now introduced bans on the use of wild animals in circuses, leaving the UK lagging behind on this important issue of animal welfare.”

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Ros Clubb, senior scientific manager for Captive Wild Animals, said: “Wild animals do not belong in the circus. We continue to push the Westminster Government to bring in its manifesto promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses in England as we believe these animals cannot be cared for adequately within the current regulations.”